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27 Jul 2024

A Game-Changer in Racquet Sports

At Centre Court Capital, we are thrilled to announce our pre-Series A funding round with Stupa Sports Analytics. Stupa, a pioneering sports technology company, has developed a revolutionary platform specifically for the global racquet sports industry.

They provide sports federations with a comprehensive one-stop solution for event and player data management and leverage their proprietary technology for streaming and fan engagement. Their AI-powered solutions provide advanced player analytics, broadcasting capabilities, and sports digitization tools. This scalable platform empowers athletes, organizations, federations, broadcasters, and fan communities worldwide.

In February 2024, we co-led a $1.5 million investment in Stupa’s $3.3 million pre-Series A round alongside PeerCapital.

 
 
Why Stupa?

We were impressed by Megha Gambhir and Deepak Malik’s leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and successful inroads into the European racquet sports market. Stupa identified a critical need within global federations for a comprehensive platform for player management, event management, player analytics, and sports digitization tools. Their innovative solution effectively filled this gap, offering a one-stop shop for streamlined operations and enhanced athlete and fan experiences.

Stupa’s cutting-edge AI video analytics are already used by over 15 global federations, and they’re a trusted partner in the table tennis ecosystem, holding exclusive partnerships with the International Table Tennis Federation and World Table Tennis. Through their title partnership with the European Table Tennis Union (ETTU), Stupa will provide them with a new OTT platform, management system, and data collection system. This partnership seeks to leverage Stupa’s expertise in AI-driven solutions for sports, like video analytics and media highlights.


 
Here’s what sets them apart:

  • Unified Content Ecosystem: Stupa creates a centralized hub for sports content and data, enhancing accessibility and streamlining management.
  • Data-Driven Insights: Stupa Cast delivers in-depth analytics for fans, coaches, and stakeholders, enriching the experience and providing valuable insights.
  • Cost-Effective Innovation: Stupa leverages India’s operational cost benefits to develop and maintain their technology stack efficiently, offering a competitive edge.
  • Revolutionising Operations:Stupa empowers federations to unlock new revenue streams, by streamlining operations through digitization and facilitating rapid product refinement.

 

Emerging Racquet Sports

Padel and pickleball are experiencing a global surge, attracting significant audiences. The market is booming, with padel reaching a staggering $2.1 billion valuation and an anticipated 26% year-on-year growth trajectory through 2026.

This growth fuels a thriving ecosystem, leading to increased sponsorships, prize money, and a surge in athletes and fans. The sports analytics market is also experiencing sustained growth, presenting a compelling investment opportunity.

 

Partnering for the Future

We are excited to partner with Stupa, providing guidance in strategic planning and operational growth as they achieve their vision. This investment underscores our commitment to supporting innovative companies shaping the future of sports. Alongside PeerCapital, we’re poised to capitalize on the exciting future of racquet sports.